Take Action Links
HELP US PUSH THE ELEPHANT! TAKE ACTION NOW.
SAVE PBS BUDGET
The House of Representatives voted 235-189 to eliminate funding for local public television and radio stations.
More than 170 million Americans use public media each month, through 368 public television stations, 934 public radio stations, hundreds of online services, education services and in-person events and activities.
Join 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting. Find out what you can do to save public media!
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PEACEBUILDING
HELP STOP THE MINING OF CONFLICT MINERALS
Violence in Congo is largely driven and financed by “conflict minerals”. The eastern DRC is filled with mines of cassiterite, wolframite, coltan and gold minerals needed to manufacture everything from lightbulbs to laptops, from MP3 players to Playstations. Over the past 12 years of armed conflict in the region, control of these valuable natural resources has become a lucrative way for warring parties to purchase munitions and fund their fighting.
A bill has been introduced into the Senate that will play a vital role in halting the use of conflict minerals in our every day electronics. Support the Congo Conflict Minerals Act and you will gain the right to choose conflict-free products, and be contributing to securing a better life for those struggling in Congo.
Click Congo Conflict Minerals Act to support the Congo Conflict Minerals Act in the Senate:
Click Participate in helping to make conflict-free products to Urge Industry Leaders to Make Conflict-Free Products:
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STOPPING THE USE OF RAPE AS A WEAPON OF WAR
SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
First introduced in October 2007, the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) is aimed at improving the lives of women worldwide. It will work to support survivors of sexual violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent violence against women around the globe. The bill would also increase US diplomatic attention to ending violence against women and incorporate best practices into US foreign assistance.
Click here to support the International Violence Against Women Act:
http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/ivawa
WRITE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Write to His Excellency the President of the DR Congo Joseph Kabila Kabange, urging the Government to do more to stop violence against women and girls and bring perpetrators to justice.
Click here to write a letter to President Kabila:
http://www.stoprapeindrc.org/index_40.html
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SUPPORT REFUGEE RIGHTS
ASK PRESIDENT OBAMA TO MAKE REFUGEE RIGHTS A PRIORITY
Ask the President to:
Provide adequate funding to refugee resettlement programs.
Include refugees in all international development programs funded by the US Government.
Reform the US refugee resettlement program so that America will once again open its doors to those fleeing persecution and provide safety and the chance to start a new life.
Click here to send a message to President Obama:
https://secure2.convio.net/uscri/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=221
ORGANIZE AN EVENT FOR WORLD REFUGEE DAY, JUNE 20, 2010
June 20th is World Refugee Day. On World Refugee Day in 2008, Rose spoke at the Whitehouse Rose Garden. In 2009, she was awarded the UNHCR’s Humanitarian of the Year Award. In 2010, Pushing the Elephant premiered. Help push the elephant! Organize a World Refugee Day event.
Click here for ideas on organizing a World Refugee Day event:
http://www.unrefugees.org/site/c.lfIQKSOwFqG/b.5106437/k.D118/World_Refugee_Day_2010__Organize_an_Event_in_Your_Area.htm
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For more great ideas on how to raise awareness about issues facing Congo, please visit
http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/awareness#sponsor
For more information about Human Rights Abuses in Congo, read the Human Rights Watch Congo reports:
http://www.hrw.org/africa/democratic-republic-congo
For more information about refugee rights and resettlement, please visit our partner organization, Mapendo.
Rose’s brother, Kigabo, has recently founded an organization to bring free health care to refugees in the great lakes region. Find out more
For continuously updated information about the situation in Congo, visit the International Crisis Group’s Crisis Watch Database:
http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/crisiswatch/crisiswatch-database.aspx?CountryIDs={C076CDFE-2B2D-4642-8895-5EF27AE4E416}